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‘Aunty Lilian’ turns 115 Aug 29, 2024 News Minister of Human Services and Social Security Vindhya Persaud with Lilian Elliot and with others as a Dyna ride wheel chair was handed over to her. Kaieteur News – Lilian Elliot known as Aunty Lilian of Mashabo Lake, Region Two celebrated her 115th birth anniversary on July 31, 2024. Lilian Elliot Aunty Lilian, as she is fondly called has 11 children, 120 grandchildren, and 80 great grandchildren. According to one of her daughters, she lost her husband when she was 45 years- old and never remarried because he was her first love. Aunty Lilian thanks God for her longevity and continues to eat cassava bread. Related Similar Articles

UK firm secures major contract for deepwater project offshore Guyana  Aug 29, 2024 News CRP Subsea Distributed Buoyancy Modules Kaieteur News – United Kingdom based firm CRP Subsea has been awarded a major contract by a leading energy technology company to supply over 100 Distributed Buoyancy Modules (DBMs) for an oil field project located approximately 200 kilometers offshore Guyana. The announcement made on August 23 did not divulge any further details on the awarding company. The DBMs will be deployed on two 8-inch dynamic flexible risers. These risers will play a crucial role in transporting oil from subsea installations to a flotation unit positioned above. They will be operating at depths of around 1,700 metres. The DBMs are engineered to manage the top tension on the floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) unit by maintaining a dynamic lazy wave configuration. This is achieved using a high-capacity compliant internal clamp that applies a controlled, uniform circumferential pressure around the riser. The clamps ensure that the DBMs remain securely in place, and consequently minimising the risk of pipeline damage and extending the operational life of the field. Ben Stubbens, Head of Sales at CRP Subsea, commented on the award, stating: “We are proud that a key customer chose us to supply DBMs for this project. It’s fantastic to see our marketing-leading internal clamp technology continues to be the solution of choice. It’s renowned for reducing installation risks and ensures reliable deepwater flexible riser operation. We look forward to future collaborations and supporting more projects for our valued customer.” It was disclosed that the manufacturing of the DBMs will take place at CRP Subsea’s advanced facility in North West England and that the project engineering has already begun, with the delivery of the modules scheduled for May 2025. DBMs are typically operated between structures and a surface vessel or platform, providing uplift generated by a two-part buoyancy element and a clamp. Moreover, it was stated that CRP Subsea’s unique clamping solutions allow operators to securely attach DBMs at any point along the length of a rigid or flexible pipeline or cable, ensuring the modules maintain their position. Related Similar Articles

Decomposed body of man found at Tapakuma Aug 29, 2024 News Kaieteur News – The decomposed body of a man was on Tuesday found in an unfinished building along a trail in the Tapakuma Village in Region Two. The police in a statement revealed that a woman reported to them that around 17:20hrs on Tuesday, she was driving on the trail when she caught a stench emanating from the direction of the building. As a result, she contacted the police. Investigators went to the scene and there the body of the male was found. “The body is in an advanced stage of decomposition,” the police reported. The body was later removed and is presently at the Suddie Public Hospital mortuary, awaiting a post-mortem examination. Up to press time the decomposed body was not identified. Investigations are ongoing. Related Similar Articles

Health Ministry steps up vigilance at ports of entry in response global concerns over Monkeypox Aug 29, 2024 News Mpox is a viral zoonotic infection that results in a rash similar to that of smallpox – stockpiles vaccines Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Health said it has stepped up vigilance at the country’s official ports of entry and moved to stockpile vaccines in response to the growing global concerns about the spread of Monkeypox. Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony disclosed recently that health workers at ports of entry across the country have been instructed to be vigilant for individuals showing symptoms of Mpox. Dr. Anthony said that the country has taken proactive stance in safeguarding public health, and even stockpiled vaccine to protect vulnerable populations. He noted the health workers have been trained to look out for symptoms such as the characteristic skin rash associated with the virus. “Port health officers have undergone specialised training to identify potential cases of Mpox among incoming passengers. These officers are now conducting visual inspections at all entry points, looking for signs of the viral infection,” Dr. Anthony stated. In addition to the increased surveillance, Dr. Anthony noted the Ministry of Health has already stockpiled Mpox vaccines. He explained that “These vaccines will be administered to specific segments of the population deemed most vulnerable to the virus.” Further, the Health Minister noted that medical professionals in Guyana are being mobilised to respond swiftly to any potential outbreak. He stated that “A National Response Committee has been established to guide the strategic distribution of the vaccines, ensuring that those at greatest risk are prioritised.” Dr. Anthony noted too that the laboratory testing capabilities have also been bolstered for test results to be available within hours of specimen collection.  This rapid testing is expected to play a crucial role in containing any potential outbreak by enabling quick identification and isolation of infected individuals. “If any person is infected, they would be isolated at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Liliendaal, for between two to four weeks,” the minister said. Mpox is a viral zoonotic infection that results in a rash similar to that of smallpox. The malady was declared a Public Health Emergency Of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) after a surge of cases in Africa. Other cases have been reported elsewhere, such as in Sweden Pakistan, the Philippines, or Argentina, but no infection has so far been detected in the Caribbean. There are two strains of the virus, with the Clade I(b) strain being the most virulent and transmissible in the current outbreak. Mpox can be transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an infected person, animal, or contaminated surfaces. Mpox can be diagnosed in Guyana through RT-PCR analysis at the National Public Health Reference Laboratory in Georgetown, the authorities also explained while urging healthcare professionals to send all samples within 24 hours of collection or keep them refrigerated within one hour for up to six days. Related Similar Articles

Six land surveyors take oath of office Aug 29, 2024 News Kaieteur News – Six land surveyors took the oath of office on Wednesday before President Irfaan Ali at Office of the President, Georgetown. President Irfaan Ali presents a certificate to one of the newly appointed land surveyors. During the swearing-in ceremony President Irfaan Ali charged the new surveyors to execute their duties in accordance with truth and accuracy. “Your work therefore must be guided as I said by commitment by truth and accuracy, ensuring that every measurement, every map, and every report you produce affect the highest standard of your profession,” President Ali said. Further, the Head of State urged the newly appointed land surveyors to “stand resolute in your professionalism always remembering the sacrifices you made, the hard work that shape you to be here today (Wednesday).” “Remember that the true value of your work lies not in the financial rewards, but in the trust and respect you earn from those who rely on you expertise,” said President Ali. The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by Commissioner of the Guyana Lands and Surveyors Commission (GL&SC), Enrique Monize, Director of the Guyana Online Academy of Learning (GOAL) Professor, Jacob Opadeyi, Coordinator of the Surveyor Department Marvin Wright, and members and examiners of the Land Surveyors’ Examination Board. Related Similar Articles

Ali sidesteps concerns about new Berbice River Bridge Aug 29, 2024 News President Irfaan Ali …launches political attack instead Kaieteur News – In a recent outreach to Region Six, President Irfaan Ali sidestepped concerns raised by the Alliance For Change (AFC) regarding the proposed new Berbice River Bridge, opting instead to accuse the opposition party of hypocrisy and obstructionism. This response came after the AFC called for transparency of a feasibility study and justification before the government proceeds with the bridge project, which could have significant financial implications for Guyanese taxpayers. According to a video posted on Facebook, during the outreach, President Ali, accompanied by Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha and Tourism, Industry and Commerce Minister Oneidge Walrond, criticised the AFC for raising concerns on the new bridge. Instead of directly addressing the concerns about the bridge’s potential cost which could be around US$260 million, feasibility, and impact, the President launched into a critique of the AFC’s past actions, particularly their handling of the sugar industry during their time in government. “Look at the hypocrites that we have in AFC. You know, when we were in opposition, when they shut down, all the sugar estates in Region Six and across the country, close to 8000 people directly lost their jobs, most of whom are from Region Six,” the head-of-state said in a video shared on social media. He continued, “and today, the same people, it’s not feasibility study that they want for Berbice Bridge again…” He went on to accuse the AFC of attempting to stymie development in regions where they believe investments could be seen as political moves. “But inherently, these hypocrites can’t help themselves, anything developmental they gotta stop, anything in certain regions, they have to stop. They believe that any investment in these regions is a political investment and then they try to lie to the people.” President Ali assured the public that the new Berbice River Bridge would be built, promising that it would bring significant benefits to commuters and the region’s economy. “But I’ll make sure the Berbice River Bridge will be done, and the and the commuters very shortly with a series of announcements, a series of intervention we will make to make it more competitive, less costly, more efficient and we already said Berbice is going to be a major industrial area,” Ali said. Ali contended that the AFC does not care about the development of the country and is only interested in “political expediency.” “The people of Region Six must ask themselves, why is it this same group of people, again, are trying to block a four lane bridge across the Berbice River that will help them, that will work 24 hours, improve efficiency, and that will create the opportunity for the expansion of trade, improvement of competitiveness, creation of jobs, and the build out of what we’re going to see in Region Six,” he added. AFC Concerns In their statement on Monday the AFC made it clear that while they are not opposed to development and modernisation, they insist on responsible governance when it comes to large-scale public expenditure. The party called on the government to release any pre-feasibility studies that have informed the decision to move forward with the bridge project. They also stressed the importance of conducting a comprehensive feasibility study and an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) before proceeding with any further developments. According to reports the current Berbice River Bridge, which was constructed between 2006 and 2008 at a cost of $8 billion, received financial backing through loans and equity contributions from various entities, including the state-run National Insurance Scheme (NIS) and private investors. It must be noted that the bulk of the money invested in the Berbice Bridge came from NIS. Sharing ownership percentages in the Berbice Bridge Company Inc. (BBCI): National Industrial and Commercial Investments Ltd (NICIL) holds 10 percent, NIS owns 20.2 percent, and other stakeholders include Hand-in-Hand Fire Insurance (10 percent), New GPC (20 percent), Queens Atlantic Investment Inc. (20 percent), and Secure International Finance Co. Limited (20 percent). One of the AFC’s main concerns is the current Berbice Bridge, which operates under a concessional agreement that extends until 2030. The party questioned whether the government plans to prematurely terminate this agreement and, if so, what compensation would be provided to the Berbice Bridge Company. The AFC also highlighted the financial difficulties previously faced by the Berbice Bridge Company, which had claimed it was operating at a loss. The party reminded that in 2018, the company attempted to raise tolls fourfold- a move that was blocked by the AFC. The party said that it is concerned that the government’s announcement of a new bridge could lead to further legal disputes. Moreover, the AFC stated that there were doubts about the feasibility of the existing Berbice Bridge, adding, “The then-PPP government resorted to a controversial public-private partnership (PPP) model, aspects of which are still under judicial review.” As such, the party urged the government to avoid repeating past mistakes by ensuring that the new project is based on solid, transparent, and publicly available data. They questioned whether the decision to build a new bridge might be based on flawed assumptions, pointing out that the current administration has recently acknowledged the infeasibility of other large-scale projects, such as a deep-water harbour and an oil refinery. The AFC questions whether a similar assessment has been conducted for this bridge, and if not, why the project is being pursued. The party also noted that key details, such as the location of the proposed bridge and the anticipated toll rates, have not yet been disclosed. They highlighted that these factors are crucial, as they will directly affect the livelihoods of those who rely on the bridge for daily commutes. Related Similar Articles

Dem big trucks mashing up de road to de prison Aug 29, 2024 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists, News Kaieteur News – Dem big trucks deh mashing up de road to de prison, and yuh got to wonder if dem drivers even know who got to use de road! Man, dem trucks heavier than a full Sunday pot of cook-up! Every time one pass, de whole place does shake like a mini-earthquake. And is not like dem trucks carrying feather or pillow; dem got bricks, cement, and everything but de kitchen sink. Now, look, we understand de trucks got wuk to do, but man, ease up pon de poor road nah! De prisoners got to use dat same road, and when dem bounce around in de prison van, dem back can’t tek it. Yuh know is bad when even de prisoners begging fuh smooth ride. Dem does complain, “Ow, de road harder than we sentence!” And don’t even talk about de government! Every time dem big trucks pass and mash up de road, is more money we got to borrow fuh fix it. De government does call up dem foreign bank and say, “Hey, we need a lil loan to patch up de potholes again. Yuh know dem trucks mekking it like Swiss cheese.” De foriegn bank people must be seh, “Y’all need to get yuh road situation under control. We can’t be handing out loans like free samples.” But yuh know how it does go. Next thing yuh hear, de big trucks still on de road, de potholes getting bigger, and de government tekking another loan. Maybe dem should just rename de road “Loan Street” and call it a day. Or better yet, put up a sign: “Prisoners Need Smooth Ride—Drive Light!” One day, dem prisoners might be holding up signs saying, “Fix de Road! Prisoners Deserve Comfort Too!” And at de rate dem big trucks breaking up de road, it won’t be long before dat happens. So, listen nah, truck drivers, do us all a favor: lighten up yuh load, and let de prisoners enjoy de lil road dem got left! Talk half. Leff half Related Similar Articles